Education: A Foundation for Our Future

Education is the bedrock of a thriving society. With over 25 years of experience as a college professor, I am dedicated to strengthening our public educational system to ensure a bright future for every student.

Key Priorities:

• Safe and Effective Learning Environments
  Ensure all students have access to secure, well-equipped, and supportive learning spaces.

• Support for Teachers
  Increase teacher salaries, reduce class sizes, and provide greater autonomy to encourage innovation in the classroom.

• Equitable Funding Models
  Reform funding structures to lessen dependence on property taxes and address disparities in educational resources.

• Mental Health Support
  Increase funding for school psychologists and social workers to better support students' mental health and well-being.

• Accessible Higher Education
  Expand initiatives like the North Star Promise Program to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students.

Economy: Strengthening Support for Working Families

Working families face rising costs of living while wages remain stagnant. To help ease financial pressures and address inflation we must take decisive action.

Key Priorities:

• Raise the Minimum Wage
  Increase the minimum wage to provide workers with more disposable income and stimulate economic growth.

• Prioritizing a Fairer Tax System 

• Create a more balanced approach to funding public services and investments, ensuring everyone can benefit from a well-supported community

• Affordable Childcare Options
  Ensure accessible and high-quality childcare is available to support working families.

• Support for Seniors
  Expand Social Security and Medicare to better support our seniors and enhance their quality of life.

• Affordable Healthcare
  Increase access to affordable healthcare and lower prescription drug costs for everyone.

• Protect Workers' Rights
  Safeguard the right to organize and advocate for fair working conditions for all employees.

Equity: Ensuring Fairness and Opportunity for All

Equity is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive community. By coming together, we can create a more equitable Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Key Priorities:

• Equal Rights Amendment
  Pass the Equal Rights Amendment to guarantee that everyone is treated equally under the law, eliminating discrimination and promoting fairness.

• Reproductive and Healthcare Freedoms
  Preserve and defend access to reproductive and other essential healthcare services to ensure everyone can make informed choices about their health.

• Safeguard Voting Rights
  Protect our democracy by defending voting rights and ensuring that every eligible voter has access to the polls.

• Support for LGBTQ+ Rights
  Promote acceptance and equality by supporting policies that protect and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals.

• Advance Racial Equity
  Work towards racial equity by addressing disparities and creating opportunities that foster justice and inclusion for all communities.

Environment: Creating a Sustainable World for Current & Future Generations

Climate change and environmental devastation are real, existential crises. Minnesota needs to protect our natural resources and be a leader in climate action. 

Key Priorities:

• Protect & Expand Natural Spaces
  Support pollinators, birds, fish, and other native species by funding terrestrial and aquatic habitat conservation efforts and pesticide regulation.

• Clean Energy Transition
  Support rapid decarbonization in Minnesota through the electrification of buildings, utility planning, and equitable access to renewable energy sources. 

• Sustainable Transportation
  Increase funding for electric vehicles, e-bikes, bike infrastructure and EV charging stations in addition to expanding access to quality public transportation options.  

• Sustainable Farming
  Support farmers as they adapt to climate change and in their transition to more environmentally-friendly practices that are economically viable, as well as better for the heath of farmers, farming communities, and society. 

• Environmental Research & Outreach
  Support research, education and outreach around climate change and sustainability.